DVA Gold Card Benefits — 24 State-by-State Discounts for ADF Veteran Homeowners

For many current and former Australian Defence Force (ADF) members, owning a home is a powerful step toward stability and independence. If you’re a DVA Gold Card holder, you’re entitled to more than just health care support. You may also qualify for state-based homeownership benefits, including stamp duty concessions, council rate discounts, and housing support.

This guide breaks down what home buying benefits and discounts available in each Australian state and territory for DVA Gold Card holders.

What is the DVA Gold Card?

The DVA Gold Card (Repatriation Health Card – For All Conditions) provides access to fully funded medical treatment for all health conditions, but it also carries weight when it comes to other concessions. While the card is primarily health-focused, many state and local governments recognise it when offering financial support for veterans, especially in the area of housing-related discounts.

What are the different homeowner benefits for DVA Gold Card holders? 

If you hold a DVA Gold Card, you can get help with some of the costs of owning your home. These benefits differ depending on where you live. Some states cover council rates or water bills. Others offer discounts on energy costs or help with home repairs.

Here’s a look at what each state and territory provides for homeowners with a Gold Card.

New South Wales (NSW)

• Council Rates Concession — Many local councils offer up to 50% discount on council rates for Gold Card holders. Apply directly through your local council.
• Water Rates — Discounts available through Sydney Water and regional providers.
• Stamp Duty Exemptions/Concessions — No state-specific stamp duty concessions for veterans, but the First Home Buyer Assistance Scheme (FHBAS) still applies if eligible.
• Energy & Utility Concessions — Discounts on electricity and gas bills under the NSW Veterans Energy Rebate.

You can combine your Gold Card with the DHOAS subsidy for bigger savings.  

Victoria (VIC)

• Municipal Rates Concession — Up to $253 rebate annually on council rates for Gold Card holders.
• Water & Sewerage — Discounts offered via the Water and Sewerage Rebate Scheme.
• Stamp Duty — No specific exemptions for veterans, but first home buyer duty exemptions may apply.
• Utility Relief Grants — Additional assistance through the Veterans Concession stream. 

Many concessions are automatically applied once you register your Gold Card with your provider or council.

Queensland (QLD)

• Local Council Rates — Discounts offered by some councils (e.g., Brisbane, Gold Coast, Townsville) for Gold Card holders. Usually, it’s between 20–50%.
• Water Charges — Rebates available through regional councils.
• Stamp Duty — No special exemption for veterans, but the standard First Home Concession applies.
• Veterans’ Home Purchase Assistance — While not automatic, some local programs offer case-by-case grants.

Check with the Queensland Veterans’ Council or your local RSL for additional housing support.

Western Australia (WA)

• Rates and Charges Rebate — Under the WA Seniors and Concessions program, Gold Card holders can receive up to 50% off council and water rates (capped annually).
• Stamp Duty — No veteran-specific exemptions, but first home buyers can access the First Home Owner Grant and stamp duty relief.
• Energy Concession Extension Scheme — Available if receiving a service pension or similar.

Must register through the WA Department of Finance – Concessions WA.

South Australia (SA)

• Council Rate Concessions — Rebates of up to $200–$300 per year are available in some councils.
• Water & Sewerage — Concessions offered via SA Water for concession card holders.
• Stamp Duty — No DVA-specific exemptions, but FHOG and other general grants apply.
• Home Start Finance Veteran Access — Home Start offers unique products tailored to veterans and defence families.

SA veterans can also access defence housing products through approved providers.

Tasmania (TAS)

• Council Rates — Gold Card holders can receive discounts or deferment on property rates in certain municipalities.
• Water Charges — Some rebates are available for eligible households.
• Stamp Duty — No direct discounts, but First Home Buyer incentives available.
• Veterans Support Services — Work with RSL Tasmania for help applying for concessions or home finance assistance.

A small population is equal to more case-by-case flexibility.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

• General Rates Rebate — Concession of up to $700 annually for eligible cardholders.
• Utilities — Energy concession of up to $750/year.
• Stamp Duty Concession — While no veteran-specific discount, some concessions exist for pensioners, depending on income/assets.
• Housing ACT — Provides veteran housing referral and case management support.

 ACT offers some of the most generous energy rebates nationally.

Northern Territory (NT)

• Council Rates — Some rural and regional councils offer concessions to Gold Card holders.
• Power and Water — Eligible for the NT Concession Scheme, which includes electricity, water, and sewerage.
• Stamp Duty — No specific waiver, but FHOG applies.
• Veterans’ Accommodation Services — Limited programs, but most assistance routed through the Veterans’ Affairs NT office.

NT veterans may qualify for remote area support through Defence-specific channels.

How to use your DVA Gold Card with DHOAS

If you’re still eligible for the Defence Home Ownership Assistance Scheme (DHOAS), you can combine that monthly DHOAS loan subsidy with these state-based concessions. This can result in thousands of dollars in cumulative savings when buying or refinancing your home. 

To claim these concessions:

1. Present your DVA Gold Card when applying for council or state services.
2. Visit or contact your local council, state revenue office, or water authority.
3. Work with a defence mortgage broker to bundle DHOAS and relevant discounts. They can also help you build a property portfolio using DHOAS. Having someone familiar with how DHOAS works makes it easier to invest in property while moving around. 
4. Keep your card details updated with DVA and Centrelink for automatic eligibility.

Plan ahead and keep more in your pocket

Owning a home as a veteran or ADF retiree is a huge achievement. With the right planning, your DVA Gold Card can help ease the cost of that journey. While there are no universal home-buying grants tied specifically to the card, the cumulative discounts and subsidies across state and local programs can add up to thousands in savings.

Always check in with your local RSL or a DHOAS-savvy broker to make sure you’re not leaving any money on the table.